Collapsible and portable cart for flexible trash

ABSTRACT

A collapsible and portable cart for trash bags comprises a wheeled U-shaped tubular main frame, a braced supporting frame carrying a web of flexible plastic material providing a platform, a U-shaped frame for holding up the upper end of the bag for loading including means for clamping the open bag edge against the outer sides of the tubular frame, and a hinged cover for closing the bag.

nited States Patent [191 Lindsey et al.

[ Mar. 19, 1974 COLLAPSIBLE AND PORTABLE CART FOR FLEXIBLE TRASH [76]Inventors: Eleanor Ruth Lindsey; Gordon A.

Lindsey, both of 2l24-E Contez St., West Covina, Calif. 91791 [22]Filed: Sept. 29, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 293,399

[52] US. Cl. 280/36 C, 248/98 [51] Int. Cl B6 2b 11/00 [58] Field ofSearch 280/36 C; 248/98 [56] References Cited UNlTED STATES PATENTS3.041.026 6/1962 Wilson 280/36 C X 1,718,962 7/1929 Kimba11 1 280/36 C3.666.283 5/1972 Stevens 280/36 C X 779,124 1/1905 Haffey 248/98 11/1936Guy 280/36 C FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 214.997 8/1967 Sweden248/98 646.685 11/1950 Great Britain 280/36 C Primary Examiner-LeoFriaglia Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Hugo E. Weisberger [5 7] ABSTRACT Ac0l1apsible and portable cart for trash bags comprises a wheeledU-shaped tubular main frame, a braced supporting frame carrying a web offlexible plastic material providing a platform, a U-shaped frame forholding up the upper end of the bag for loading including means forclamping the open bag edge against'the outer sides of the tubular frame,and a hinged cover for closing the bag.

9 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENTEU MAR s 9 1974 SHEET 1 [1F 3PATENTEDMAR 19 19m 3 l 7 971847 sum 3 or 3 COLLAPSIBLE AND PORTABLE CARTFOR FLEXIBLE TRASH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present inventionrelates to a mobile, collapsible, and portable wheeled cart for holdingand transporting trash bags, particularly plastic trash bags.

The increased emphasis on environmental protection has led to widespreadadoption of flexible, disposable containers for the removal of householdand garden trash, cut grass, leaves, and the like, as well as domesticgarbage. In order to hold the bag open for filling, and to move it aboutduring use, various devices have been developed in the prior art in theform of carts, racks, hand trucks, and the like, which are characterizedby the employment of rather massive and heavy frames and auxiliarysupporting members, making them difficult and slow to assemble ordisassemble, and requiring considerable physical effort to move fromplace to place. The means adopted for holding and supporting the bags inthese devices have involved cumbersome expedients ranging from holdingthe open edge by prongs, hooks or clips, to clamping the edge betweenpairs of tubular frames, all making it difficult to disengage the bagfrom the apparatus when ready for disposal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, thereis provided a novel mobile, collapsible and portable wheeled cart forholding and transporting flexible trash bags, comprising readilyassembled and light weight structural elements or components. Theseelements include a vertical main frame having an inverted U-shapeconfiguration, the cross member of which serves as a handle. The lowerends of the frame provide support for an axle and a pair of wheels. Themain frame is provided with three independent detachably mountedstructures which, in a manner to be described more fully below, enablethe cart to perform three basic functions in respect to a flexible bagplaced thereon: (1) support means for the bag; (2) means for holding theupper end of the bag open; and (3) providing the bag with an effectivecover.

The bag support means comprises a heavy wire frame pivotally mounted onthe main frame perpendicular thereto and provided with brace members,and carrying a panel or web of flexible material such as plastic onwhich the bag rests. An auxiliary web of plastic material may beprovided extending between the lower portions of the main frame legs, toprotect the bag against lateral displacement when the cart is moved.

The means for holding the bag open constitutes a unique feature of theapparatus of the invention, and comprises a U-shaped wire frame member,mounted, with accompanying brace members, on the upper portions of themain frame. The outer ends of the bag holdin g wire frame including adownwardly bent segment of the wire which serves as a spring clip tohold edge portions of the bag adjacent thereto open and against the mainframe. The bag edges are draped over the other portions of the wireframe so that the bag is held open on three sides, in a manner explainedmore fully below.

A third wire frame fitted with a web of plastic or other material ispivotally mounted on the legs of the frame above the bag openingextension means, and when moved into registry with the latter, serves toprovide a reasonably tight cover for the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The following is a more detaileddescription of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, asillustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view, in perspective, showing the assembled cart withthe lid frame in an inclined position;

FIG. 2 is a view in perspective showing the configuration andconstruction of one side of the bag supporting frame and its brace, andthe manner of attachment to the main frame;

FIG. 3 is a view in perspective showing the configuration of one end ofthe frame which serves to hold open 'the upper edge of the bag, and themanner of attachment to the main frame;

FIG. 4 is a view in perspective showing one cover frame configuration,and with a plastic web and dependent flap in place thereon, and themanner of fastening same to the main frame; 1

FIG. 5 is a view in perspective showing the assembled cart with aflexible bag in place thereon, with its edge draped over the bag openingframe, and with cover member in place;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the manner in which the upper edge ofthe bag is held against the main frame by the bag opening frame;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the manner in which the braces of thebag opening and bag supportingframes are fitted into the main frame.

FIG. 8 is a view in perspective of an alternate cover arrangement.

Referring now to the detailed features as depicted in the drawings, FIG.1 shows the assembled cart, with the various components in place. In theillustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the cart 10 comprises a mainframe 11 having an inverted U-shape configuration, with two legs 12extending downwardly, the cross member 13 of the frame serving as ahandle. A transverse axle 14 passes through openings l5 at the lowerends of legs 12, being fixed in and projecting beyond the outer sides ofthe legs, the extending portions 17 of the axle serving as mounts forwheels 13. The main frame 11 is also provided with a cross-brace member19 extending between legs 12 at a point toward the lower ends of thelegs. The frame is tubular, and preferably made of a light metal such asaluminum or magnesium, or thin wall steel tubing.

The main frame 11 has attached thereto three independent detachablymounted structures, which cooperate to perform the functions ofsupporting a bag, holding open the upper edge of the bag, and providingthe bag with an effective cover. These structures are shown in place inFIG. 1, and more detailed structural features are illustrated inthe'accompanying Figures.

The bag supporting means and the manner in which it is utilized areillustrated in FIGS. l and 5. It comprises a frame 20 of stiff metalwire of fairly heavy gauge, formed into a general U-shape, havingparallel side members 21, and a crossqnember 22. The side members 21 areadapted to extend into and be engaged within holes 23 in main framelegs'12. Frame 20 is maintained in a position approximatelyperpendicular to the plane of main frame H by a pair of brace members 24which are also made of stiff metal wire, and provided with loops 25 attheir lower ends, which loops movably engage the cross-member 22 offrame 20, being held in place against excess lateral movement by araised portion 26, formed into the cross-member 22, so as to provide adetent or swedge. The braces 24 extend upward at an angle toward thelegs 12. Each brace has a short bent portion 27 at its upper end, asshown in FIG. 7, said portion extending into and being engaged by a hole28 in each leg 12. This construction permits the braces to be slipped inor out of position only when in a parallel direction with the legs 12.Once the frame 20 has been put into position, these braces cannot comeout of their own installed position because of the engagement of thebent portions 27 with the openings in the main frame legs.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and in more detail in FIG. 2, theframe side members 21 terminate in outwardly bent portion 29, whichengages frame leg via holes 23, which are on the insides of legs 12, theframe 20 having a sufficient width to provide a spring action of theside members 21 against the main frame legs 12, thereby holding theframe 20 securely in place.

As a means of supporting the trash bag itself, there is fitted overframe 20 and cross brace member 19, a web of a flexible material 30,which may be a fabric such as canvas, but is advantageously a plasticmaterial such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. Preferably the web30 is formed from seamless polyethylene tubing of appropriate widthwhich is fitted to the cart so that one extremity extends aroundcross-member 22 of frame 20, and the other extremity around cross-bracemember 19, thus providing a two-ply panel 30, with both plies passingunder and around axle 14. The polyethylene or fabric should be ofsufficient thickness and strength to provide adequate support for atrash bag 60 resting thereon.

The trash bags with which the present invention are concerned are theconventional, disposable type, made of flexible sheet material, such aspaper, laminated paper, or of a plastic sheet material, such aspolyethylene, having its lower end sealed, and its upper end open andcapable of being distended in order to receive deposits of trash,leaves, grass, and the like.

The means provided, in accordance with theinvention, for holding openthe upper end of the bag, is located generally in the upper portion ofmain frame 11, and is shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, and in more detail inFIGS. 3 and 6. .It comprises a frame of stiff metal wire having ageneral U-shape, having parallel side members 42, and a cross-member 41.Frame 40 is maintained in a position approximately perpendicular to theplane of main frame 11 by a pair of brace members 43 which are also madeof stiff metal. wire. The brace members 43 are provided at their upperends with loops 44, which movably engage the crossmember 41 of frame 40,being held in place against excess lateral movement by a raised portion45, formed into cross-member 41, which provides a detent or swedge. Thebraces 43 extend downward at an angle towards main frame legs 12. Eachbrace 43 has a short bent portion 46 at its lower end, as shown in FIG.7, said portion extending into and being engaged by a hole 47 in thefront face of legs 12. This construction also permits the braces to beslipped in or out of position only when in a parallel direction withlegs 12. Once the frame 40 has been put into position, these braces alsocannot come out of their installed position because of the engagement ofthe bent portions 46 with the openings 47 in the main frame legs.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and in more detail in FIGS. 3 and 6,the device 40 for holding open the bag incorporates side members 42 tothe main frame legs 12 also provides the means for holding the upperedge of the open bag firmly in place between the side members and themain frame by a clamping action, as will be explained more fully below.

Each frame side member 42 terminates in a bent portion 48, which extendsdownwardly in a direction perpendicular to that of member 42, saidportion 48 being of a length adapted to accommodate the edge of a bagdraped over member 42. The portion 48, in turn terminates in an inwardlydisposed short leg 49, which extends into a hole 50 on the outside ofmain frame leg 12, as shown in FIG. 3. The dimensions of frame 40 aresuch that the side members 42 are caused to bear against the outsidesurface of frame legs 12 with a spring action, thereby holding the edge61 of bag 60,

' draped over the side member 42, tightly against the outside of theframe legs 12, with a clamping action, as shown in FIG. 6.

This unique construction results in holding the bag open evenly andcompletely on three sides of frame 40. It permits the cart to be used invertical or horizontal position, as in a lawn or garden, or to rakeleaves, and

the like. The top of the bag is held open without the need of pins,clips, frames, prongs, and the like, characteristic of prior artdevices;

In addition to its function of holding open the bag, the frame 40 alsoserves as a resting place and support for the cover component when thelatter is lowered, thereby providing a secure closure for the open bag,while it is still in process of being filled.

As shown in FIG. 1 the cover comprises a frame of heavy metal wire,formed into a general U-shape, having parallel side members 72, and across-member 71. As shown in more detail in FIG. 4, the side members 72terminate in a bent portion 73, which is in the same plane as frame 70,but perpendicular to side members 72. The portion is adapted to extendinto and be engaged within holes 74, which are on the outside of themain frame legs 12. The dimensions of frame 70 are such that it willexert a spring action against the main frame, being held securely inplace, while at the same time the frame 70 can pivot about the axis orhinge formed by portions 73, so that the cover can be raised or loweredas desired. The cover frame 70 is fitted with a web 75 of a flexiblematerial, such as a plastic material for example, polyethylene orpolyvinyl chloride, or of a fabric such as canvas or other cloth. Theweb 75 extends -rearwardly fromcross member 71 past the hinge portionformed by portions 7 3, terminating in a flap 76, approximately 6 inchesin length, which can be inserted into the rear of the trash bag toprovide more complete covering, as shown in FIG. 4.

In order to hold the cover in open position, a flexible materialenvelope may be lowered over the handle 13 v and the raised cover,thereby permitting free loading of the bag.

An alternate form of cover is shown in FIG. 8. It comprises apolyethylene or other flexible plastic tube secured to the legs 12 by-awire rod 81 that is placed below holes 50. This rod is placed in theframe in holes 82 drilled on the inside of the legs of the frame. The

tubing 80 goes around the rod 81 and up over the back edge of the bag,making a tight seal. It extends forward about 3 inches past the frontedge of the bag opening frame 40. A wire rod 83 is secured to the frontedge of the tubing as shown. The weight of the rod 83 causes the coverto seal down over the front edge of the bag opening. A notch 84 is cutout of the tubing to allow it to go around the legs 12 of the main frameand give a better fit. To open the cover, the weighted front edge 83 ofthe cover is simply raised and hung over the handle 13.

As indicated, the cart of the present invention is both collapsible andportable. The manner of assembly 'of the cart is as follows: Usually,the wheels are attached to the axle on the main frame, using anyconventional means, such as press-on self-locking caps, to hold thewheels in place. Thereafter the holding frame and its brace componentsare connected to the main frame legs. The plastic web forming a part ofthe holding frame-is introduced at the same time. The means 40 forholding open the edge of the bag is then connected to the frame, withattendant brace members. Finally the cover member 70 is attached. Thebag is then placed on the holding platform, the open edge of the bag isdraped over the three sides of frame 40, and clamped against the mainframe legs 12 by the member 48, the cover is held in open position, andthe bag is ready for loading. In order to disassemble the cart, thevarious components are removable, in the same manner.

In addition to the advantages indicated above, other advantages of thedevice of the invention are its readily portability and the ease ofinstallation, filling and removal of the trash bag. A filled bag may bereadily slid off the front of the cart without the necessity of raisingit. The collapsibility of the cart makes it readily adaptable forpackaging, storage and marketing. It may be simply assembled without theneed of any tools. The various frames and braces are easily attached byinsertion into the main frame as previously described and the axle slipsthrough holes provided in the legs, with the wheels easily attached tothe ends of the axle. The unique bent portion of the frame which holdsthe bag open also serves to clamp the upper end of the bag to the mainframe, thus providing easy detachment or removal of the bag without theneed of auxiliary clips, clamps, or pins. The supporting braces of therespective frames can easily be placed in position for use by insertionin parallel position as previously described, and are locked into placeonce the wire frame is secured to the main frame and cannot becomedisconnected even if the cart is roughly handled or placed in ahorizontal position for filling or emptying. The plastic film forming aplatform for the bag, offers a unique method of suspension that issimple, light weight, and trouble-free. The plastic material is readilyinstalled and is not subject to rusting, rotting or deterioration andcan be easily and inexpensively replaced if accidentally damaged ordestroyed. The supporting rod can be removed by a simple exertedpressure to spring it out of its holes in the main frame legs andslipping it back through a replacement sling of plastic tubing and thebag support frame can be removed and inserted into the tubing andreconnected in the same way. The hinged cover provides a convenientmeans for concealing unsightly and odorous trash and of keeping outflies and other insects, while at the same time providing easy access tothe interior of the bag.

What is claimed is: l. A collapsible and portable cart for flexibletrash bags, comprising:

a. an inverted generally U-shaped tubular main frame I including spacedparallel legs and a transverse handle portion between the upper portionsof said legs, an axle passing through the lower portionsof said legs,and supporting wheels mounted on the outer ends of said axle;

b. means for supporting a flexible bag comprising'a generally U-shapedframe detachably and pivotably mounted on said tubular frame, saidsupporting frame carrying thereon the edges of a web of flexiblematerial extending across the open portion of said frame and providing aplatform for said bag; and

0. means for holding open the upper end of the bag for loading,comprising a generally U-shaped frame detachably mounted on said tubularframe at a level corresponding to the height of the bag, said frameincluding means for clamping the open edge of said bag against the outersides of the legs of said tubular frame by spring action, the dimensionsof the frame being such that the outer portions will bear against theoutside surface of said legs to hold the bag edge tightly against saidlegs.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes means for coveringthe bag top including a web of flexible material attached tosaid mainframe providing a closure for said bag.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said bag supporting means frameterminates at-each end in an outwardly bent portion which engages anopening on the inside of the corresponding main frame leg, being held inplace by spring action of said frame, said frame being held in aposition generally perpendicular to the plane of said main frame by apair of upwardly extending brace members each connected at its upper endto a leg of said main frame, and at its lower end rotatably connected tosaid supporting frame.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which further includes a cross-bracemember connecting the lower portions of said main frame legs, and saidflexible supporting web extends between the outer edge of saidsupporting frame and said cross-brace member, and around said axle.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for holding open theupper end of the bag includes means for holding said bag opening framein a position generally perpendicular to the plane of said main framecomprising a pair of downwardly extending brace members each connectedat its lower end to a leg of said main frame, and at its upper endrotatably connected to said bag opening frame.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said frame for holding open theupper end of the bag includes side members terminating in a bent portionwhich extends downwardly and perpendicular to said side member andisadapted to accommodate the edge of said bag draped over said sidemember, and further terminating in an inwardly bent portion adapted toextend into an opening on the outside of the main frame leg, therebyholding the edge of the bag against the legs with a spring action.

7. The apparatus of claim 2 in which same cover frame includes sidemembers terminating in inwardly bent portions adapted to extend intoopenings on the outside of said main frame legs, thereby providinghinged operation for said covering means.

8. The apparatus of claim 2 in which said web of flexible material forcovering the bag top includes a downwardly extending flap portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 2 which includes a transverse brace memberconnecting said main frame legs above the plane of said U-shaped frame,and said web portion.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION Patent No- 6.797847 I Dat d March 19. .1974

Inventor(s) Eleanor Ruth Lindsey and Gordon A. Lindsey It is certifiedthat error appears in the above-identified patent and that said LettersPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The Title of the patent should. read: coLLAPsTBL E AND PORTABLE CART FORFLEXIBLE TRASH BAGS 2124 E. C ortez St.

Signed and sealed this 18th day of June 1971+;- v

(SEAL) Attestz EDWARD M.F'IETCHER,JR. Attesting Officer C. MARSHALL,DANN

Commissioner of Patents FORM PC4050 USCOMM-DC scam-Pee i Ill GOVIRNMINYIIINTING OFHCE I569 3'J34

1. A collapsible and portable cart for flexible trash bags, comprising:a. an inverted generally U-shaped tubular main frame including spacedparallel legs and a transverse handle portion between the upper portionsof said legs, an axle passing through the lower portions of said legs,and supporting wheels mounted on the outer ends of said axle; b. meansfor supporting a flexible bag comprising a generally Ushaped framedetachably and pivotably mounted on said tubular frame, said supportingframe carrying thereon the edges of a web of flexible material extendingacross the open portion of said frame and providing a platform for saidbag; and c. means for holding open the upper end of the bag for loading,comprising a generally U-shaped frame detachably mounted on said tubularframe at a level corresponding to the height of the bag, said frameincluding means for clamping the open edge of said bag against the outersides of the legs of said tubular frame by spring action, the dimensionsof the frame being such that the outer portions will bear against theoutside surface of said legs to hold the bag edge tightly against saidlegs.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 which further includes means forcovering the bag top including a web of flexible material attached tosaid main frame providing a closure for said bag.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 in which said bag supporting means frame terminates at each endin an outwardly bent portion which engages an opening on the inside ofthe corresponding main frame leg, being held in place by spring actionof said frame, said frame being held in a position generallyperpendicular to the plane of said main frame by a pair of upwardlyextending brace members each connected at its upper end to a leg of saidmain frame, and at its lower end rotatably connected to said supportingframe.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which further includes across-brace membeR connecting the lower portions of said main framelegs, and said flexible supporting web extends between the outer edge ofsaid supporting frame and said cross-brace member, and around said axle.5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for holding open theupper end of the bag includes means for holding said bag opening framein a position generally perpendicular to the plane of said main framecomprising a pair of downwardly extending brace members each connectedat its lower end to a leg of said main frame, and at its upper endrotatably connected to said bag opening frame.
 6. The apparatus of claim1 in which said frame for holding open the upper end of the bag includesside members terminating in a bent portion which extends downwardly andperpendicular to said side member and is adapted to accommodate the edgeof said bag draped over said side member, and further terminating in aninwardly bent portion adapted to extend into an opening on the outsideof the main frame leg, thereby holding the edge of the bag against thelegs with a spring action.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2 in which samecover frame includes side members terminating in inwardly bent portionsadapted to extend into openings on the outside of said main frame legs,thereby providing hinged operation for said covering means.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 2 in which said web of flexible material for coveringthe bag top includes a downwardly extending flap portion.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 2 which includes a transverse brace member connectingsaid main frame legs above the plane of said U-shaped frame, and saidweb of flexible material extends forward from said brace member over thefront portion of said U-shaped frame terminating in a weighteddownwardly extending flap portion.